Careers

Pictures from our Careers Evening 2016

Careers Guidance

At Corpus Christi we aim to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and abilities which will enable pupils to be effective in a variety of adult roles and occupations. This is provided in the fortnightly Pastoral lessons throughout the school. Aspects of Careers Education also permeate the whole curriculum and are identified by subject departments. The objectives of Careers Education can be grouped under four main headings:-

Educational Awareness

Pupils need to form a knowledge of the post 16 courses and training opportunities available in schools and colleges and an appreciation of the personal and educational attainments needed for them. To facilitate this, staff from St. David's College and Coleg Glan Hafren visit the school to outline courses and answer questions. Brochures for Barry College and UWIC are available in the library, where a directory listing all current vocational and academic courses in all sixth forms in the county is also located. Pupils are supplied with a booklet outlining their options. NVQ and workplace alternatives are considered. Group talks by Careers Officers give pupils of every ability an opportunity for further discussion.

A letter to parents in the Autumn term of Year 11 outlines available opportunities and staff from Careerpaths attend relevant Parents Evenings.

Career Awareness

Pupils also need information on the whole spectrum of possible occupations, together with entry requirements and associated lifestyles. Pupils therefore research possible occupations using the internet, computer programmes, books and magazines in the careers library. Access and filing systems are explained by staff while books and information are available for loan or photocopying so that parents may help in the guidance process. European opportunities are outlined in literature and computer discs.

Self Awareness

The Progress File programme, together with Action Planning provided by Careerpaths, form an important part of a realistic assessment of a pupils' own ambitions. New programmes are being introduced in Lower School to develop self-awareness prior to choosing their options. The "Pathfinder" computer programme helps Year 10 pupils relate their own skills, interests and talents to specific career areas suited to them as individuals which should form a useful basis for discussion. Pupils receive guidance in its use and parents are invited to comment on the suggestions made. A selection of pupils receive individual interviews from Year 9 and all pupils in Year 11 receive an individual interview with staff from Careerpaths and parents are always invited to attend.

Transition Skills

Skills such as CVs and applications, interviews, effective study and examination technique all help with the transition from school to work or continuing education or training. Staff expertise is supplemented with booklets, DVDs and role play. The work in these sessions is also useful to pupils in compiling their Personal Statements.